26 Barges Break Loose on Ohio River

By Suspicious Cat, Sundance

Friday night a total of 26 barges, 23 loaded and 3 empty, broke loose from their moorings along the Ohio River near Pittsburgh and floated uncontrolled until they were mostly recovered. There were no reports of injuries, but a marina sustained extensive damage in the incident.

The Pittsburgh Public Safety said in a statement, “At 11:25 p.m., Pittsburgh Fire, EMS, and Police were dispatched for reports of barges breaking loose and floating uncontrolled down the Ohio River. 

In total, 26 barges broke loose; 23 were loaded and three were empty. Those that were loaded had dry cargo such as coal, and no hazardous materials on board. There have been no reports of people injured, but Peggy’s Marina sustained extensive damage. 

Eleven of the barges have been located and pinned against the river bank by Brunot Island and currently being held by a tugboat. Fourteen continued down the river and six have gone over the Emsworth Dam. 

The barges are owned or operated by Campbell Transportation Company located on the left descending bank of the Ohio River, just downstream from the McKees Rocks Bridge.

The West End Bridge was closed in both directions, and rail traffic was shut down on the rail bridge to Brunot Island. Both will be reopened when it is determined that it is safe to do so.

The Coast Guard, Pennsylvania State Police, and various law enforcement, EMS agencies, and fire departments in neighboring jurisdictions have been notified.” (LINK) 

“Campbell Transportation Company, Inc. is actively responding to a recent development involving a multi-barge breakaway in Pittsburgh. Our immediate priority is ensuring public safety and minimizing any potential environmental impact,” the statement read. “The incident occurred under high water conditions on the rivers resulting in strong currents due to flooding in the area.” (SOURCE)

Suspicious Cat remains, well, suspicious.